Leicester will keep coronavirus restrictions in place as part of the UK’s first localised lockdown amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
Matt Hancock told MPs in the Commons non-essential shops in Leicester will close from Tuesday.
Schools will close to most pupils from Thursday as part of restrictions imposed after a recent local spike in coronavirus cases, the Health Secretary added.
Mr Hancock said the easing of the lockdown planned for the rest of England on July 4 cannot happen in Leicester because of rising cases.
He said: “Given the growing outbreak in Leicester we cannot recommend that the easing of the national lockdown set to take place on July 4 happens in Leicester.”
The local lockdown will also apply to Oadby, Birstall and Glenfield in the county as well as the city.
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